Claudia Andrea Hovden

Claudia Andrea Hovden (nee De Lucrezia) peacefully, and graciously, completed her life’s work on April 26, 2023 after a brave journey with cancer. Born in Argentina in 1968, Claudia emigrated to Canada with her parents (Antonio and Rosa), and brothers (Alfredo and Gabriel). Claudia took to life in Canada, becoming a passionate hockey fan – her favourite team was not the Canucks however, but the Boston Bruins; even in her remaining days on earth, she keenly followed the Bruins.

Like a Bruins fan, Claudia was feisty, spirited, and deeply loyal. She was a loving daughter, sister, aunt, friend, wife, and mother. Claudia lived life with a sense of duty to make the lives around her better. She gave selflessly, of her time and from her heart. She also lived well, making memories with friends and family, and exploring the world through her travels.

Claudia was married to Ray Hovden, and Ray and Claudia shared a special bond filled with good-natured humour and appreciation for one another; despite any challenges they faced, they worked hard to build a loving and devoted marriage. Together they have two beautiful children, Yvonne, who has her mother’s feisty spirit, and Antonio, who has his mother’s kindness.

In motherhood, Claudia’s sense of duty knew no bounds. Her children became her world, devoting her life to them. Claudia loved them so deeply; despite the challenges she faced, her last few days were spent, as she always did, by providing Yvonne and Antonio with love and words of affection.

Claudia’s impact expanded beyond the family home. She was a strong supporter and contributor to Autism Speaks, and worked in the community at Cedar Grove elementary school, in Gibsons.

And finally, in her journey with cancer, Claudia provided those who surrounded her with a beautiful example of courage, grace, and wisdom. In the face of such heartbreaking circumstances, Claudia chose to leave us with one final gift: she taught us what it means to truly love, and to truly live.

Claudia is survived by her husband Ray, her children Yvonne and Antonio, parents Antonio and Rosa De Lucrezia, aunt Filomena Colangelo, brothers Alfredo and Gabriel and their families, many nieces and nephews, and many friends who loved Claudia deeply.

“Life is a circle; the end of one journey is the beginning of the next.”

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Claudia’s name to Autism Speaks, or the BC Cancer Foundation. Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on May 10, 2023, at St. Edmund’s Parish, 545 Mahon Ave, North Vancouver, BC V7M 2R7, followed by a family private burial.